Love Island bosses caused Amy Hart’s agony by telling Maura to crack on with Curtis

LOVE Island bosses ramped up heartbroken Amy Hart’s agony by telling Maura Higgins to pursue her ex Curtis Pritchard.

The air hostess, 26, walked from the villa on Monday as she couldn’t handle seeing the new romance being played out in front of her.

A TV source said: “Amy was utterly distraught when Curtis ended their relationship but her emotions were really put through the mill when Maura hooked up with him.

“The fact show bosses made it happen is tough for her to take as they clearly weren’t fussed about her feelings.”

The instigation of the love triangle backs up claims by former contestant Malin Anderson that producers are constantly tweaking the format of the ITV2 show.

She said: “We were like performing monkeys for them.”

Mental health charities have all branded Love Island chiefs “cruel” for traumatising its contestants for the sake of entertainment.

Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of SANE, said: “What we find concerning about Love Island is that it can be particularly cruel, as it manipulates contestants’ hopes and feelings.

“Manufacturing heartbreak may make dramatic viewing, but we question the value of this as it demeans both the contestant and the viewer, and gives a false picture of relationships.”

Dr Antonis Kousoulis, Director of the Mental Health Foundation, said off-camera therapy sessions did not absolve Love Island bosses of causing distress to Amy.

He said: “Reality TV production companies have a duty of care to contestants to protect their mental health. We welcome the fact that confidential support has been offered to some contestants on Love Island and this support needs to be ongoing.

“But it is important that TV producers are also mindful that the situations they create through scenarios and challenges do not damage the mental health of their participants. Offering support is in itself, not enough.”

'FALSE PICTURE OF RELATIONSHIPS'

Bosses persuaded Maura to confess her “feelings” for Curtis despite the fact she had previously shown no interest in the dancer – and instead had flings with Tommy Fury, Dennon Lewis and Tom Walker.

However, Curtis’ interest in the Irishwoman came long before the show after he sent her a flirtatious private message on Instagram in the hope of them hooking up.

Meanwhile, Amy’s pals have questioned whether she should have been chosen to compete given she’s never been in a relationship before.

A friend said: “I wonder if producers should have put her in at all, given her lack of experience with boyfriends and relationships. Her family have been overwhelmed and worried about her. They just want their happy smiley daughter back.”
A spokeswoman for ITV said: “We take the emotional well-being of all the Islanders extremely seriously.”

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.